Escape to Nature - Eco therapy retreat in the Florida Keys: Nov 12th-19th 2016Join me for a week long escape to a tropical paradise...without ever leaving the continental United States.
Dive deep into the natural rhythm of the elements, combining yoga, paddleboarding and seva (service work) for an unforgettable, hands on experience of nature. Find the joy of working with the living breathing soil of a secret Garden of Eden Experience the sensation of dancing on the water to the rhythms of the waves Bask in the glow of a benevolent sun, made gentler by the turn of autumn And sway with the palms on the breath of the wind in a hammock by the sea. Air, Earth, Fire and Water will all be brought into harmony and peace will be found on an island in the sun. |
LocationBig Pine Key, Florida
The Florida Keys provide a sweet taste of Caribbean Island living, with all the benefits of still being in the United States. And Big Pine Key is it's most hidden treasure. The majority of the island is a nature preserve and home to the endangered Key Deer, so much of it remains undeveloped and pristine. Azure blue waters, mangrove forests, coral reefs, all secluded among the pines - this island is truly an oasis from reality. But an easy drive south on Rt 1 connects you to the bustling life of Key West - a colonial city popular among pirates and novelists alike. And an absolutely stunning drive north, island hopping across bridges, with the Caribbean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, brings you back to mainland FL and the hubs of Miami and Ft Lauderdale. We will be staying at the beautiful and award winning Deer Run, a fully vegan and sustainably run bed and breakfast resort, with it's own private beach, saltwater pool and uncomparable menu of fresh and local food. And we will be working to help revive the Grimal Grove, a historically significant and utterly magical place, unlike any other botanical garden in the Northern Hemisphere. Fruits grow here that grow nowhere else north of the Equator, and some that grow nowhere else in the world. Trees heavy with mangoes, avocados, cacao, starfruit - these are just a taste of the wonder that awaits behind these wooden gates. And our group will have a chance to leave a lasting impression in this space - a garden project, completed from start to finish, by us and for all. |
Tentative Schedule*Saturday November 12th
AM arrivals, check into hotel 3pm – tour of the Grimal Grove 4pm – earth based restorative yin practice beneath the palms, with live music and crystal bowl healing meditation 7pm – catered dinner (non-vegan options) under the stars at the Grimal Grove Sunday November 13th 8am – morning practice on private beach (water element) 10am – full course vegan breakfast 1pm – arrive at Grove for volunteer project (optional) 5pm – water based yin practice on private beach 7pm – multiple course vegan dinner Monday November 14th 8am – morning practice on private beach (fire element) 10am – full course vegan breakfast 1pm – arrive at Grove for volunteer project (optional) **5pm – optional full moon paddleboard/kayak through the mangroves, guided meditation with Serenity Eco Therapy 7pm - multiple course vegan dinner Tuesday November 15th 8am – paddleboard yoga off hotel beach 10am – full course vegan breakfast 1pm – arrive at Grove for island craft or volunteer project (optional) 5pm – full evening practice at the Grove, beneath the palms (air/space element) 7pm – multiple course vegan dinner Wednesday November 16th 8am – paddleboard yoga off hotel beach 10am – full course vegan breakfast 1pm – arrive at Grove for volunteer project (optional) 5pm – full evening practice at the Grove, beneath the palms (earth based) 7pm – multiple course vegan dinner Thursday November 17th 8am – paddleboard yoga off hotel beach 10am – full course vegan breakfast 1pm – arrive at Grove for island craft or volunteer project (optional) 4pm – restorative evening practice at the Grove, beneath the palms 6pm – Sunset street performers in Mallory Square, dinner (non-vegan options) and fun in Key West (alcohol not included) Friday November 18th 8am – morning practice on private beach (elemental balance) 10am – full course vegan breakfast 1pm – arrive at Grove to complete volunteer project (optional) **5pm – optional sunset sail out of Marathon 8pm – multiple course vegan dinner, closing circle, fire pit Saturday November 19th 9am – full course vegan breakfast Check out and departure * subject to change ** a la carte items, require an additional fee. Discounts on scuba or snorkeling trips are also possible if scheduled ahead of time ***daily lunches are not included in cost of retreat. Water, tea and healthy snacks will be provided at the Grove and Deer Run and lunch will be available for purchase from local health food store, Good Food Conspiracy, (estimated $10-$12 per day, non-vegan options available) |
Cost*$1750 before 10/1/16
$1900 after 10/1/16 *Cost is based on shared occupancy only. This is a bed and breakfast, so rooms are equipped with one king size bed (though one room does have a sofa bed, for a group of 3) This is a retreat best designed for couples of any kind - partners, sisters, friends, etc. Unfortunately, single occupancy is not possible. Each room has it's own bathroom and stunning view. They are all equipped with air conditioning, satellite TV, wi-fi and a small refrigerator. Cost includes all group travel during the retreat and also includes airport transport to and from the following airports: Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Key West Flights will have to be coordinated as transport can only come to each of these airports at one designated time. Flights in and out of Miami and Ft. Lauderdale are very reasonable, (about $200 round trip, direct from DC) while flights in and out of Key West tend to run higher, often with layovers in Miami. If requested ahead of time, discount car rental is possible, with pick-up in Marathon, FL. **Cost also includes a $100 tax deductible donation to our host, The Growing Hope Initiative, the organization tasked with overseeing the revitalization of the Grimal Grove and a group committed to using environmental and agricultural innovation as a means to foster community engagement among underserved populations. For more information, or to sign up: |